WWE legend Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka has been enduring an ongoing murder case against him and a new development was recently revealed. A judge in Pennsylvania overseeing the case has ruled that the pro wrestling star is mentally unable to stand trial regarding the murder of his girlfriend.
The Morning Call reports:
Rumors of Snuka’s involvement in the 23-year-old New York woman’s death lingered for three decades, culminating in a grand jury investigation last year that resulted in homicide charges.
But the 73-year-old wrestler may never face a jury to answer for Argentino’s death. That’s because a Lehigh County judge on Wednesday found that Snuka is not mentally fit to assist in his own defense, especially in a case based on 30-year-old allegations.
“Unfortunately, justice suffers when it’s delayed,” Judge Kelly L. Banach said.
Banach listened to four days of expert testimony and lawyers’ arguments, and questioned Snuka herself, before finding that Snuka was not competent to stand trial.
Snuka, whose real name is James Wiley Smith Reiher, wasn’t initially charged back when the case was fresh but was charged last September with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors allege that Snuka assaulted Argentino and didn’t seek medical attention for her thus leading to her death.
Judge Branch heard the testimony of forensic psychologist Frank Dattilio, who was called by the defense as an expert to observe Snuka’s mental state. It is being reported that Snuka’s dementia is so severe that he doesn’t even know he faces murder charges.
Although there is no timetable to resume the trial, it will be delayed for at least six months reports the Morning Call. A review has been called for this December, in where Snuka can be found incompetent to stand once more.
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Photo: WENN.com
